I have little to write here it seems. Food, such a simple and vital component to our days, has gotten overlooked for awhile. Instead I am concentrating on school and work and so many other things that cooking a meal seems almost like a luxury that I can’t afford right now. Being poor also adds to the problem. But without contemplating food I feel as though a creative part of me is slipping away. Contemplating all these theoretical criticisms and discussions in my grad classes is exciting and fun for me but it leaves little room for more substantial thoughts on food. Reading the New York Times food pages, a place I usually find inspiration, is like looking into shop windows and getting depressed because I can’t try it. My work schedule and classes means I have about three days that I can consider making food. And because of work I come home hungry but uninterested in the process. Later in the evening, after having something relatively snack like I can consider the prospect. However, my younger sister is assuming my role. She’s thinking about food and what to make in her freetime from work. I’m becoming inspired by her. It’s like I’m an old woman who needs the energy of the new to try out her ideas again and find they still work, I can still think about food after some practice. It’s funny, I never thought cooking required practice, much like an instrument or painting. But it does, I get rusty without thinking about it. Once I’m in the kitchen for a bit my mind is more flexible and I can reach for the spices more easily.

However, having said that here are a few ideas I have for soup. It’s getting close to that time of year, and soup freezes well. I’m thinking this might be in my freezer for a day when I can’t think of what to make.

-Pureed roasted cauliflower with navy beans and rotisserie chicken

-black bean soup

-diced tomatoes and corn, roasted and in soup

-minestrone of any leftover vegetables currently in the fridge.

update: after doing a little more reading in NY Times I’m feeling more rejuvenated. And I remembered that I have green beans to roast for tonight –amazing! And a sweet potato. And coconut milk to use in soups. I’m back.

My aunt and uncle are coming to town. I haven’t seen them in about five years, as they live in a ho hum town in Ohio (isn’t every town in Ohio worthy of that attitude, though?). My uncle Ralph is my mother’s much older brother, the retired Rev. Ralph Gordon. And my aunt is a little lady named Doris who does Jazzercise and used to be a second grade teacher. Sorry, you don’t care do you? You just want to know what I’m cooking them. I know you too well. Because that’s what I’m thinking too. My mom asked me to cook for them on Wednesday, as a way to ensure she wouldn’t have to, I would come visit them too and Julia might stop by after work for the leftovers and see them as well. She’s a wise woman at times, my mother.

So here’s what I’m thinking:

Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi

(Although my mom bought the fish on Monday, and according to Ben it might be bad. But then, he didn’t have a refridgerator. And why am I basing food freshness facts on him?)

Mango Salsa to go under the Mahi Mahi filets

Steamed & Sliced Carrots since they go so well with gingered-candied things

Red & Green Coleslaw I hate coleslaw but I think my mom & uncle like it. This is a recipe I found at The Splendid Table website. Who knows, maybe I’ll like it too. I have leftover red cabbage I have to get rid of.

Drop Cornbread Biscuits

For dessert I’m thinking something fruity. I’ve learned about Italian meringue and I think I might use this as an opportunity to try it to make:

Past Posts This Month

Who We Are

So are you to my thoughts as food to life,
Or as sweet-season'd showers are to the ground;
And for the peace of you I hold such strife
As 'twixt a miser and his wealth is found;
Now proud as an enjoyer and anon
Doubting the filching age will steal his treasure,
Now counting best to be with you alone,
Then better'd that the world may see my pleasure;
Sometime all full with feasting on your sight
And by and by clean starved for a look;
Possessing or pursuing no delight,
Save what is had or must from you be took.
Thus do I pine and surfeit day by day,
Or gluttoning on all, or all away.